Swansea University has retained its position amongst the top 500 universities in the world, in the QS World University Rankings® 2012/2013, published today (Tuesday, September 11).

The University is placed in the 401-450 category again this year in the results of the annual survey by the leading global career and education network, which have been published since 2004.

The 2012 survey considered more than 2,500 of the highest performing universities, and had record response levels to its academic and employer surveys – making it the largest and most extensive exercise of its kind.

Indicators were drawn together to form an international ranking of universities, which included academic reputation, employer reputation, student and international student numbers, research papers published, and paper citations.

In addition, QS produces rankings in five broad faculty areas: Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and Management, in which Swansea ranked in 291st place in the Engineering and Technology category.

Swansea University’s reputation with employers was noted by QS to have increased significantly since last year’s World University Rankings.

Professor Alan Speight, Swansea University Pro-Vice-Chancellor, said: “Retaining our position amongst the top 500 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings is a measure of our performance, reputation, and the excellence of the experience which we provide to our students.

“We have seen a rise in the quality of students on entry and an increase in those going on to excel at their studies and receive excellent results on completing their course. We have also seen an increase in the employability of our graduates.

“As an ambitious, research-led institution with top quality teaching,Swanseais an excellent place to study forUK, EU and international students.”